Greece is reportedly preparing new legislation that would formally introduce a 15% capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies, marking a significant step toward regulating the taxation of digital assets within the country.
The draft law, currently under preparation by the Ministry of Finance, is expected to be submitted to parliament in the coming months. Its primary objective is to incorporate cryptocurrency transactions into Greece’s existing tax code, which currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework for digital assets.
Key Features of the Proposed Crypto Tax Regime
The planned framework is expected to include the following core elements:
• 15% capital gains tax on profits derived from cryptocurrency transactions
• €500 tax-free allowance, exempting small gains from taxation
• Application primarily to individual investors
• Cryptocurrency mining excluded when conducted by individuals, but taxable where mining activities are carried out through a corporate entity
The proposed approach aligns crypto taxation with other forms of investment income, rather than introducing a separate or bespoke tax regime.
Current Regulatory and Tax Context
At present, Greece does not have a dedicated system for taxing cryptocurrencies. This places it among several EU member states where digital asset taxation has developed unevenly and on an ad hoc basis.
Across the European Union, crypto capital gains taxation varies widely, with rates ranging from single-digit percentages in some jurisdictions to significantly higher rates in others. The absence of EU-wide harmonisation continues to create uncertainty for investors and tax authorities alike.
What Comes Next
Further details are expected once the draft legislation is formally presented, including clarification on:
• Valuation methods for crypto assets
• Reporting and compliance obligations
• Interaction with existing capital gains and income tax rules
Once enacted, the measure would represent a key milestone in Greece’s efforts to modernise its tax system and address the growing role of digital assets in the economy.